Community poll forum: How many viruses or Trojan horses wreaked havoc in 2005?

Answer: NONE

Our secret is Norton Antivirus and it is set to update automatically and scan automatically as well as scanning all incoming and outgoing email.

Also we route our email through Outlook Express.

We change the default in Outlook Express to NOT download the messages. We preview the message and if we trust it then we open to reply or save attachments.

Microsoft set the default to automatically download your mail. (Along with attachments).

To change the default, click on the Tools menu choose the Read tab. Then uncheck the box that states, "Automatically download message when viewing in the Preview Pane".

I believe you have to download before a virus can spread.

Otterette

My Mac PowerBooks haven't had any virus problems for the last decade. The Mac OS is based on solid UNIX underpinnings. Plus I get a great GUI, fast document searching, etc. I also run Microsoft Office, exchange files with PC's, etc.

Why ask for trouble with PC's?

First of all to CNET readers, do not (repeat) DO NOT click on any weblinks to SpyAxe. This is not reverse psychology, believe me! As soon as you click on their webpage, a program is executed such that you cannot escape a "scan" performed on your computer. The results: their scan finds numerous attached malware/viruses on your computer. The problem is that they have placed those things on your computer without your permission, and you will have to purchase their software ($50) to remove the bugs. Files they have embedded onto your computer cannot readily be removed by your existing spyware software. Just google "spyaxe removal" and you will see what is store for you.

This, of couse, is illegal, and hopefully the computer crime people at the FBI read these posts and decide to shut down this sleazy business. Any tech wizards who can figure out how to make these SpyAxe creeps pay for the damage done would be heroes.

Any techno-savvy attorney want to take on a class action suit??

I have had a major problem on my desktop with:

JavaByteVerify-A serious Trojan that allows a arbitrary takeover of your system; This trojan is targeted toward Microsoft OS, apps, and file systems (I have XP-home edition).

I believe the attacker ran a port scan; found my desktop and proceeded to attack it; (I kept asking the kids not to take the firewall down; however I now require a password logon and firewall up at all times).

There are some concerns in the JavaSun Server community about this trojan because it is starting to show up on Sun server OS and apps; some folks state not worry because the trojan is targeted toward Microsoft apps, not Sun Apps; I say if the trojan can be eliminated, Get rid of it; no matter where it is!

Fix: go to TrendMicro and download 2 files:

-Virus Scan and Virus Pattern
-Reboot your computer in safe mode
-Run the two trendmicro scans; the scans will find and eliminate the trojans

after the trendmicro scans have finished, run your computer desktop virus scan; (if none is available, download one for free; such as: AVG 7.1-a very good virus catcher or one like Bit Defender-the initial finder of this trojan).

Go back and attempt to find where damaged files are in the registry; you may have format your disk and reload the OS and apps back onto your system.

Constantly ''cross-run'' different virus catchers on your computers; ex: I run AVG, Trend Micro, then Microsoft security scans; run your scans in different modes (safe and regular bootups)

Get your microsoft service and security packs upgraded-ASAP!

Credits for the fixes come from a variety of online sources; too numerous for the post!

I don't open anything that I don't know about or who is the sender. I also have virus protection that is up to date and do not enter ever chat rooms, do not download from anywhere I'm not sure of, do not download movies, music, games. I mostly use my computer for business and email. I have a server at work and the higher end yahoo for email which blocks most of everything. I may miss stuff, but I don't care. It makes my life easier.

Marc Horwitz, Cincinnati

None! Go Mac!!!

Sitting behind Bellsouths firewall, my routers firewall (set to 128 bit incryption) and Zone Alarm Internet Security Suites ZA Pro firewall in stealth mode, we've been spared of havoc on our home network. Even with a 10 year old dazzled by everything on the Internet and playing games, we've been ok. I've taught everyone to delete any email in which they don't recognize or know the sender. We use the Mozilla suite browser, with it's email client and keep the preview window closed so that nothing opens automatically. I set the Virus/Spyware scans to run daily as we use the computers a lot and are on a DSL connection that stays on 24/7. I keep some other anti-bug utilities handy just in case we run into trouble. I run them on occassion just to be sure everything is as safe and secure as it appears to be. Never found a problem yet. Had some key trackers quarantined, but that was all. Snuffed them out right away and haven't seen them again.

I'm using someone else's computer right now because mine is nuked.
I cannot tell you which virus it is because it won't boot.
I've tried ultimate boot
PC wizard
A+ tekkies
Computersmart
Staples

I think it is now a boat anchor.
So much for Norton Internet Security. Anti Virus. the whole nine yards.
I followed the rules. Took 2 minutes every day with MS update, then Norton update, then opened up for business. then KABOOM!!!
They just don't live up to there promise other than, We'll take your money, follow the rules, come back next year.
After 2 such nuclear incidents, I'll try something else.
Ready to build my own now. Put on it what I Repeat I want.
Good to read other havoc around this site,

Woodie

If you've been around on the net long enough, you've been hit or you will be. I have but not for many years.

First of all, contrary to the belief of some, Mac is by no means immune to infection, nor is Linux. The very fact that all OS developers issue security updates clearly refutes the ridiculous contention that every OS other than Windows is immune from attack. I agree that Mac is less prone for now. However, it is the widely held view of many IT security experts that this is about to change for the worse very soon. So be ready to eat crow to all the Mac chest beaters out there. By the way I happen to use both systems so I consider myself to be objective, not biased.

But that is not the point. In the vast majority of cases, it is the fault of the user when they get infected. Careless or risky web surfing, a lack of simple security protocols eg virus updates etc, a lack of protection for e-mails or maybe even downloading infected files from P2P sites without scanning for infections. The list of reasons go on.

The poll clearly suggests that the majority of people who responded understand the need to maintain reasonable measures and vigilance against all threats and from my experience it is the minority who either lack the sense to properly protect themselves, or they lack the understanding and experience to know what they should do to protect themselves.

But none of us are perfect and the same can be said for all OS's and software. In most cases it will be your own fault, so get over it, learn from the experience and be dont be immature by blaming the OS or the AV or the firewall or whatever because none of them provide a written guarantee of protection.

WHOA!!
if you are having to 'clean up' that means you have already been infected/hit.
the idea of protection is to keep the junk on the server..NOT on your PC.
There are programs which will litteraly encode virus encapsulated emails so you can even read them, IF you want to.
OR, programs which will scrubb the web site you are looking at and at your command, will either let you OR NOT let you you open them. Its not so much an I.T. problem, its mostly HUMAN ignorance.
DO MORE READING ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE. IT COULD JUST BE THAT YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE 'stupid people' WHO RUN THE NET WITH 'NOTHING' AND SCREW IT UP FOR THE REST OF US.


getsteppin

I've never had any trouble which surprises me with a teenager in the house who uses the computer. I run live update with Norton everyday and a full system scan usually once a week. I also install Mircosoft updates when they become available , and I have a firewall on my computer and my laptop.

Use the personal Adaware and spybot freeware to keep your computer clean.
Use Zone Labs Zone Alarm firewall to keep the viruses and worms at bay.
Use an antivirus program....you'll have to dig into your pocket for this ....I use the NAV.

that should do it.....good luck, Brian "the BEFMAN"

Ever since I started runing Linux (Mandriva) on all my desktops and now even on my laptop I don't have any problems with viruses and spyware anymore. And I don't even run any antivirus or antispyware software at all. Saves a lot of money and system resources. I recommend you try Linux out. It is very refreshing when you don't need to constantly worry about nasties from the internet.

* get a tool that blocks most popups,
* never click on anything thats a hyperlink ever unless you know exactly where it goes and its safe,
* close unwanted windows by right clicking the tab on the menu bar,
* have a firewall that works and block anything you dont like the look of,
* a download meter that can just float in the corner of your screen perminantley. this way you know exactly whats happening with your bandwidth and when.
* never open an attachment unless you asked for it, even if it is from someone you know... (get g-mail. never ever had a problem with them... dont have g-mail? there are plenty of websites that collect and distribute g-mail accounts.)